MFT 618 - Diversity Issues in Therapy

Prerequisite, marriage and family therapy major. A study of multicultural counseling emphasizing understanding and respect for the diversity of all human beings, particularly with regard to matters of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation and disability. The course analyzes the cultural context of family, behavior, psychopathology, assessment and attitudes towards counseling. Utilization of mental-health services by California specific ethnic/culture-specific groups are addressed. Critical analysis is given to ethnocentrism, racism, sexism, ableism and heterosexism in society and traditional culture-bound assessment and treatment approaches. The course objective is to produce culturally competent marriage and family therapists who are aware of their own social location and how that impacts their work with clients. (Offered summer.) 3 credits